The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has deferred the approval of capital expenditure projects proposed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) totaling P20.32 billion. This was learned from a commission notice dated five days earlier but made public only late Monday evening.
The ERC did not elaborate on the decision to defer but acknowledged that outstanding issues, undisclosed at this point, need to be addressed and deliberated further prior to a final decision.
The most significant deferment relates to the 230-kilovolt (kV) substation project in Laray, Cebu designed to ease overloading. The P6.35 billion project, slated for completion in 147 months, is the most expensive among the six proposals.
Also deferred was the 230-kV substation in San Simon, Pampanga. The P4.42 billion project is meant to support the growing demand for power by steel mills and related industries. The project should complete in 68 months under original programming.
Other notable projects include the 138-kV Maco-Mati transmission project connecting the Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative and preventing power line overloading. The P3.61 billion project is expected to stimulate regional economic activity by allowing higher load capacities.
Additionally, the proposed P3.32 billion Calbayog-Allen transmission line project in Northern Samar meant to enhance power reliability and facilitate the entry of wind power projects counts among the deferred projects. The same is scheduled for completion in 103 months.
The ERC also deferred the 230 kV substation project in Pinili in the Ilocos which aims to address regional load growth and provide alternate connection for the Laoag substation. The P1.64 billion project is scheduled for completion in 62 months.
Lastly, the least costly proposal, the 69-kV Concepcion-Sta. Ignacia transmission line in Tarlac also awaits ERC approval. The 66-month project costing P999.71 million will serve localities including Sta. Ignacia, Camiling, and Moncada.
The deferment of these critical infrastructures highlights the regulatory scrutiny the NGCP navigates to ensure the expansion and reliability of the country’s power grid.
